Matlock wildlife artists exhibit work internationally

A pair of wildlife artists have been short–listed for coveted places at an international art exhibition.

Stefanie Jones, of Matlock, and Pollyanna Pickering, of Oker, are both up for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition to be held at London’s Mall Galleries on June 2 to 7.

The artistic pair will both be displaying their work and vying for a top prize of £10,000.

“The short–listed entries are once again exceptional,” said David Shepherd, who launched the art competition in 2008 to raise funds and awareness for endangered wildlife.

He added: “From the judges’ point of view the drama and technical excellence in all the work was quite breath-taking.”

A total of more than 150 works of art were short-listed for this year’s competition from both established and new artists.

“We’re bringing together a hugely exciting selection of artists and media for this, our seventh Wildlife Artist of the Year,” said Sally Case, chief executive of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

“And, with free entry and free painting demonstrations throughout the week, it promises to be a great week of wildlife art.”